The PMI® Talent Triangle Decoded (Part 1) – What it takes to be a successful project manager?

Being the project manager of a large project is a role that can make or break a team. From assessing various stakeholders’ needs and problems to macro and micro management, to be successful in the role, a professional has to be a person with a broad skillset. To help us visualize and frame these skills, the Project Management Institute (PMI®) has developed and evolved the Talent Triangle. PMI® recognizes that for a professional to be successful he or she has to develop a mindset of continuous learning, to be nimble and adaptive. That is why in May 2022 the PMI® Talent Triangle was updated to address the ever-changing needs of the fields. The sides of the triangle represent the different sets of skills divided in: Ways of Working, Business Acumen and Power Skills. Let us jump in and take a closer look to those skills.

“The PMI® Talent Triangle is Evolving”, Project Management Institute (PMI), https://www.pmi.org/learning/training-development/talent-triangle

1. Ways of Working

First, we start with Ways of Working (previously known as Technical Project Management). Now more than ever it is clear that there is more than one “right way” to get the job done. Understanding predictive, agile or any other work mindset is critical for a project manager. That is why it is very important to master as many of those ways of working to be able to choose and implement the right technique and excel your project.

2. Business Acumen

Business Acumen (previously known as Strategic and Business Management) is the larger domain that covers skills such as macro- and micro- management, aligning with broader strategy and world trends among others. This domain is focused on providing the right knowledge and tools to help professionals in taking good decisions for their project and organization.

3. Power Skills

The last side of the triangle is Power Skills (previously Leadership). A set of interpersonal skills to complement the technical and business skills of a successful project management professional. Those include Collaborative Leadership, Communication, Coaching and Mentoring, Empathy and others. Developing such skills enables the project management influence with various stakeholders.

Are you just getting started with Project Management?

The world is ever changing and so are the skills needed in order for a professional to be competitive. This is why it is so important to view skill development as continuous journey and not a boxed goal. If you wish to get started in your path towards being a successful project manager or feel the need to upskills your expertise, we at ITCE are here to help! Check our Project Management portfolio or contact us at info@itce.com and we will help you with the right training for the job!


Mihail Mihaylov – Project Management Consultant & Instructor

Mihail has 20 years of experience and proven track record in achieving results in a demanding and challenging international environment across various industries.

He is a highly experienced trainer, known for this engaging training classes and workshops where he shares valuable lessons gained during his career and goes beyond project management practices as he expands on leadership and communication skills, team performance, managing transitions and other critical skills for the modern manager.

Mihail is the President of PMI Bulgaria Chapter.

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